Revolutionizing health and safety: The role of AI and digitalization at work. Global report
This global report by the International Labour Organization examines how automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization are transforming occupational safety and health at work. It highlights both opportunities to reduce hazardous exposures and improve working conditions, as well as emerging physical, organizational, and psychosocial risks. The report also reviews global, regional, and national policy frameworks, regulatory gaps, and workplace-level strategies to ensure safe and inclusive digital transitions.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Governments, employers, workers, and OSH experts seeking guidance on managing the occupational safety and health implications of digital workplace transformations.
What the document contains
The report addresses the impacts of automation, advanced robotics, smart monitoring tools, extended and virtual reality, algorithmic management, and new work arrangements such as telework and platform work on occupational safety and health. It details potential physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial risks, explores global and national policy frameworks, and outlines workplace-level strategies including risk assessment and worker participation.
Binding international legislation specifically dedicated to digital safety standards or universal algorithmic management rules across all sectors.
- Digitalization offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance occupational safety and health by removing workers from high-risk environments and improving risk detection.
- Emerging technologies such as automation, wearable monitoring systems, extended reality, and algorithmic management also introduce new physical and psychosocial risks.
- Existing OSH regulatory frameworks and fundamental ILO conventions remain vital for addressing digital workplace risks, but targeted updates and regulations are increasingly necessary.
- Workplace-level risk assessments and active worker participation through social dialogue are critical for ensuring that technology supports worker well-being.
- Continuous training, clear technical guidelines, and comprehensive research are essential to navigate the long-term OSH impacts of the digital transition.
· Executive summary · 1. How digitalization is transforming safety and health at work - 1.1 Automation and advanced robotics - 1.2 Smart OSH tools and monitoring systems - 1.3 Extended and virtual reality - 1.4 Algorithmic management of work - 1.5 Changing work arrangements through digitalization · 2. Addressing OSH in the Digital Era: Policies, Gaps, and Collaborative Efforts - 2.1 Global efforts to ensure safe and healthy work in the digital transition - 2.2 Regional initiatives to harness OSH through digitalization - 2.3 National frameworks governing OSH and digitalization - 2.4 Managing digitalization and OSH at the workplace · Key takeaways · References
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
Employee privacy and dignity are paramount, requiring sound AI methods, involvement of employee representatives and prevention of bias
2.3 National frameworks governing OSH and digitalization
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
4/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Digital tools like AI-driven analytics, real-time monitoring, and predictive modelling can enhance risk assessments and OSH strategies but must complement - not replace - human judgement in OSH practices.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
The constant monitoring of physiological and biometric data may also lead to anxiety, as workers feel pressured to maintain specific performance or health metrics.
1.2 Smart OSH tools and monitoring systems
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Existing OSH frameworks, including ILO OSH standards, remain essential for safeguarding the right to a safe and healthy working environment in the digital era.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
At the workplace level, regular risk assessment and management remain essential to proactively addressing emerging digital risks.
Executive summary
screening score · 2026-10-23